Job Title: SKA Chief Communications Officer

Reports To: Head of Administration

Date: 2 May 2012

Organisation Background

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a multi-purpose radio telescope that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology. It will be one of a small number of cornerstone observatories around the world that will provide astrophysicists and cosmologists with a transformational view of the Universe. The SKA Organisation is based in the Alan Turing Building, The University of Manchester and will move to a purpose-built building at Jodrell Bank Observatory in October 2012. General

You will be an experienced outreach/communications professional, with a track record of working in an international organisation. You will be educated to degree level or equivalent.

Overall Purpose of the Job

You will develop a progressive communication and outreach strategy and align this with the goals of the Company. You will also direct the development of the SKA corporate identity and manage all outreach activities including the ongoing development of the website, media relations and coverage, the design, content and production of promotional materials, and the production of teaching resources and study aids.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Under the direction of the Head of Administration, you will work closely with the Director General to develop and implement the SKA Communication and Outreach Strategy. You will be responsible for all aspects of the Companyˇs communication and outreach activity, such as:

Excellent communication, proof-reading and interpersonal skills, with a high standard of

written English; and

Willingness to travel and work outside normal business hours, including evenings and

weekends.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The following competencies are desirable:

Staff supervision;

Knowledge of radio astronomy; and

Presentation skills, e.g. at conferences and on radio/television.

For informal discussion of the post, please contact Colin Greenwood, Head of Administration, Email: greenwood@skatelescope.org, Tel: 0161 275 4063. To apply, send your CV and cover letter to enquiries@skatelescope.org. Closing date: 8 June 2012. If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date you should assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful. Thank you for your interest in the SKA Organisation.